Turkana communities benefit from 16 new water projects
These projects are expected to significantly reduce the burden, especially for women, who previously trekked long distances in search of water.
Residents of Turkana County have a reason to smile and are now having better access to water, following the implementation of 16 new water projects by the Kerio Valley Development Authority (KVDA).
These projects are a welcome relief for communities that have long struggled with long distances to fetch water for both domestic use and livestock.
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According to KVDA CEO Sammy Naporos, six of these projects, which were scheduled for completion this financial year, have already been completed.
These projects are expected to significantly reduce the burden, especially for women, who previously trekked long distances in search of water.
Speaking during the handover of the Lokichar Water Project and other drought mitigation initiatives, Beatrice Askul, the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs, Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, and Regional Development urged the residents to protect the water infrastructure from vandalism.
She emphasised the importance of safeguarding these vital resources for the benefit of the entire community.
"We must as a community protect our water projects so that we can benefit from more," she said.
The water projects will directly benefit over 25,000 households and 280,000 livestock.
Climate change resilience
In addition to easing the water shortage, the projects are expected to help build resilience against climate change, alleviate food insecurity, and reduce malnutrition in the region.
However, CS Askul noted that the government's efforts are not yet enough.
She assured the community that the government will continue collaborating with other partners to install even more water projects in the future.
The government, she added, will also gather feedback from citizens to ensure the projects meet their needs.
One of the flagship projects is the Lokichar Water Project, which was completed at a cost of Sh10 million.
In addition, the authority's CEO appealed to the residents to protect the borehole and its related infrastructure, which includes solar panels, a fence, livestock troughs, and community water points.
"The project will benefit 800 households and 40,000 livestock," Naporos said, highlighting the positive impact it will have on local livelihoods.
The Chairman of the KVDA Board also stressed the importance of community involvement in the sustainability of the water projects, reiterating the need for residents to take ownership and protect the infrastructure.
"We will be visiting the communities to assess their needs and prioritize projects for the most vulnerable areas, like Turkana," he stated.
With these water projects in place, the hope is that the lives of Turkana residents will improve, with easier access to water leading to better health, enhanced food security, and improved overall resilience against harsh climatic conditions.
